THE lads at Biffa have donated a £500 cash prize to the Great Oaks Hospice.

The staff at the Cinderford depot recently won a national in-house award for high safety standards, and unanimously decided to donate their cash prize to the Coleford-based charity.

This isn't the first time the staff have supported charitable causes. Since 2006, the depot has made four donations totalling £2,210 to the West Midlands Air Ambulance in memory of a colleague who lost his life while at work.

Biffa business manager James Walker, who presented the cheque, said: "The staff wanted to donate their cash prize because they value the good work the hospice does for local people.

"Winning the award was a credit to the crews and the administration staff here in Cinderford during a particularly busy time. We are all pleased to be able to share our success with such a worthwhile charity as Great Oaks."

Their award recognises the depot for its outstanding customer service and successful implementation of the district's new waste service in 2012.

James added: "We are delighted to be recognised by Biffa for the commitment and effort that went into delivering the new waste service, and for the dedication of everyone involved in keeping disruption to residents to a minimum.

"During this hectic period, we were also building a new bulking facility at the depot, followed by winning Forest of Dean's street cleansing contract which had to be fully operational within a couple of months."

•THE Dave Roberts memorial charity golf day is taking place on April 25.

For the last 10 years the event, which is held at Forest Hills Golf Club in Coleford, has raised more than £43,000 for charity.

This year the Great Oaks Hospice will benefit from the proceeds for the fifth year running.

The two shotguns will start at 9am and 2pm and the day will be played to Stableford rules. The day is being supported by John Freeman of Forest Products Limited.

For more details contact Jenny Roberts on 01594 811910.